school system

Parents Beware! (My Response to Today Papers on 'PSLE Tuition Ad')

It's holidays! Well at least for a big group of students. I know there are still another group who are sitting for their 'O', 'A' levels! Gambatte! (Japan phase for 'Go for it', 'Try your best!)

Students are busy planning their activities while parents are also busy planning! But planning activities (holiday courses, revision classes, registration for tuition classes for 2010, overseas holidays...) for their kids!

So I thought it's a suitable time for me to share an article I wrote to TODAY.

Last week in Today Papers, there was a big article on 'PSLE Tuition Ad' which claims to have SEAB (Singapore Examination & Assessment Board) setters conducting intensive revision programmes for PSLE and 'O' levels.

Below is the exact article I have written (unpublished as of now): [Read more...] about Parents Beware! (My Response to Today Papers on 'PSLE Tuition Ad')

School Holiday Programme Debate

With the start of the June holidays, there have been pretty much debate on the matter of schools getting students back for lessons. Much have been discussed. "School principals give yourselves a break"

In my humble opinion, I think that holiday classes are absolutely required for graduating students for example the students doing their O Levels. Having said that, I am not suggesting that schools take up all the entire school holidays for that purpose. Depending on the objectives of these holiday classes, having 1-2weeks of them is reasonable. Teachers can get a break too.

Being an educator myself, I understand the importance of recharging one's mind to be prepared for the remaining terms. So teachers deserve a break too but the fact that they are committing their break time to their students speak volume. So it was a little disheartening when I read with disappointment on how parents not see from the point of teachers and principals in this case.

As for other level of students, I feel that enrichment programmes can be introduced during this holidays but made on a non-compulsory basics, allowing parents and students to make their own decision. Holidays are meant to be of a balance of work and play. From the articles read in Strait Times Forum, it seems to be that some parents aren't too appreciative of the schools' good intention. But arrangements for such programme must be communicated in advance to the parents so that parents can plan for their overseas trip with their children.

Well, in terms of school holiday programmes, I want to acknowledge my fellow educators working real hard at making a difference in the students' life and the effort of the school in planning for the enrichment programmes.

Hmmm... perhaps we should have a term devoted to some sort of summer camps just like in USA. Being a camp counsellor in USA, I totally love the experience!

Which option should I take after O Level?

Option

Courtesy of Hackintosh
Now that the GCE O Level students have received their results. I think most of you will be deciding on the path you are going to take.

Oh yar, congratulations to WS (Chung Chueng High School Main) & J ( Unity Sec School) on achieving the wonderful results (:

I think it is useful to hear from folks who have gone through the decision making on where to go after your O Levels.

Sean from SimpleChemConcepts.com has written an article based on his personal experience on his choice of route after his O Level. You can read more about here.

Options Galore - Choosing the Right Path for O-Level holders

Personally, I continued my education in the Junior College route. I was able to continue my education in National Junior College after the release of my O Level results. One of the main reasons for my choice was that I was not sure of the course I want to pursue at that moment but one thing for sure, I want to enter the local university and my parents pin high hopes on me on this aspect. Well, JC offers the fastest way to enter the university and I must say during my time, the JC route was pretty the same as Secondary in the sense that it is rather academic.

From what I understand, Poly students are exposed to more hand-ons which have definitely mould them into more "society-inclined". Afterall, worklife is about the application of the knowledge we have learnt.

Nevertheless, I had no regrets on my choice of entering into the JC as I achieve my objective and at the same time, get to know some great friends who I have excellent friendships with until now.

I always like to emphasize, whichever your choice is, it must be something you like or have interest in continuing with so that the flame will keep on burning despite any challenges.

This is the big picture for Singapore Education System which I thought is useful.

For a complete picture, click here.

By Ministry of Education MOE

Release of GCE O Level Results 2007

Once again, it is the time of the year where O Level students receive their due recognition of their efforts for their secondary school learning efforts.

GCE O Level Results will be released in 24 hours time.

"School candidates may collect their results from their schools at 2:00 pm on 24 January 2008"- SEAB

There will be tears... lots ... tears of joy, victory,sweetness,accomplishment...
victory jump, aka The X! By c*elise

There will be tears of sadness,regret,dejectness,shockness...
Lágrimas - Tears By PortoNortePortugal

No matter which situation you are in, I congratulate all students on completion of their GCE O Level examinations. It is a feat truly!

Start of School Holidays!

Secondary school students have already enjoy close to 1 month of holidays while primary school students just have their fun beginning.

I was talking to a parent recently and I realize how much autonomy MOE schools have nowadays. They can decide when to start holidays, when not to have classes.

Education system is opening up, recently there was a report on home schooling in Singapore which is something really popular in US.